Hitachi DZ-MV780 Camcorder Review

by Matt Culler
Published on Apr 29, 2005 12:00 PM



The DZ-MV780, Hitachi’s second best DVD camcorder this year (and personally highly anticipated), features some improvements to last year’s DZ-MV580 including a new design and a widescreen mode. But even with an increase in CCD pixel count, the camcorder performs slightly worse in low light than last year’s model. The good news is that it is very affordable, available for as low as US$620.00.

Video Performance (6.5)
The DZ-MV780 follows in the footsteps of last year’s best performing DVD camcorder, the DZ-MV580. As an upgrade from the DZ-MV580, the DZ-MV780 actually includes a smaller CCD, but one which houses more pixels (the DZ-MV580 includes a 1/3.8” CCD with 400K effective pixels for video and 960K for video, while the DZ-MV780 includes a 1/4.5” CCD with 690K effective pixels for video and 1.1 MP for stills). The reduction in CCD size allows for a generally smaller camcorder, and the increase in effective pixels seems to help the DZ-MV780 produce better video in bright light conditions.

We tested this camcorder as we test all of our camcorders, in our testing environment of 3000 lux. This is the equivalent of the light intensity of a bright sunny day. At such a level, the DZ-MV780 produces an image with colors much more vibrant and rich than those of the DZ-MV580. Both images show equal crispness, but Hitachi has definitely made improvements to their DVD line.

Last year, Hitachi’s DVD line won acclaim not only because their camcorders produced good video, but because the competition produced such bad video for such high prices. Sony has overhauled their DVD line, so it remains to be seen if Sony’s lower line of DVD camcorders can produce comparable video. We have tested the DCR-DVD403, Sony’s top-of-the-line DVD camcorder, and it does produce better video than the DZ-MV780. It also costs almost two hundred dollars more.

Video Resolution (13.2)
We were able to calculate the Hitachi DZ-MV780’s video resolution, in both 4:3 and 16:9 modes, by taking video footage of a standard resolution chart and exporting its stills to Imatest Imaging Software. In 4:3 mode, the camcorder provided approximately 412.8 lines of horizontal resolution and 321.1 lines of vertical resolution. At its best in this mode this model generated a true resolution of 132,550.08. In Widescreen Mode the DZ-MV780 presented approximately 298 lines of horizontal resolution, and 249.9 lines of vertical resolution. At its best in this mode the camcorder produced a true resolution of 74,470.2.

The Front (6.0)
This year’s Hitachi DZ-MV780, the equivalent of last year’s DZ-MV580, sports a slightly newer design. Gone is the pistol-like, Panasonic rip-off design of last year, and in its place is a more compact looking--certainly where the lens barrel is concerned—camcorder. However, while some differences in external design hint at the smaller DVD mechanism within, these differences are largely cosmetic, and do not affect anything aside from the camcorder’s portability.

While the front of the DZ-MV780 exhibits a dramatically shortened lens barrel from last year’s model, the frontal slope of the camcorder features the same elements. From top to bottom, this area houses the end of the camcorder’s lens barrel, its stereo microphone—black in this model—and a port cover, revealing the camcorder’s A/V, USB, and microphone ports. The USB’s location is new and an improvement; last year it was under the LCD.

The Right Side (7.5)
The right side of the DZ-MV780 is definitely more compact than last year’s DZ-MV580 and both of Panasonic’s VDR-M50 and VDR-M70, though perhaps less stylish. It lacks the deep black and glossy silver rings of last year’s Hitachi, and the camcorder’s mode dial has been moved more towards the back (last year’s mode dial wrapped around the right side of the camcorder). The DZ-MV780 has also moved the camcorder’s SD card port to a more traditional spot (on the bottom of the camcorder, wrapping under the LCD panel) rather than leaving it on the right side of the camcorder.

The Left Side (8.0)
Following the trend of cosmetic over overtly-functional upgrades, the left side of the DZ-MV780 features pretty much the same controls as last year. Cosmetics, assuredly, have changed. The Disc Navigation, Stop/Exit, Menu, and Select buttons have all been moved to the panel directly above the LCD screen. The navigational device, formally a small joystick, also been moved, and along the way it became more of a button instead of a joystick. This device, which is harder to control than last year’s joystick, is a four-way button with a selector in the center. This control is also used for playback. Underneath the LCD screen the buttons of the camcorder have remained the same. They include: Quick Menu, Focus, Exposure, BLC, Display, and Volume controls (+/-). The big changes here: relocation of the buttons, nearby SD card placement, and the removal of the Quick Mode switch from above last year’s LCD.

The Back (5.5)
The back of the DZ-MV780 is fundamentally the same as the back of the DZ-MV580. It includes a slot for the camcorder’s battery pack. There is a color viewfinder which can only extend directly backwards about half an inch, as well as the camcorder’s DVD mechanism open switch. Below this switch is the only new feature on the DZ-MV780’s back: the mode dial. The mode dial on this camcorder is much smaller than last year’s; it rests directly under the user’s thumb, which is great, and features all the normal settings (Digital Camera mode (disc), Camcorder mode (disc), OFF, and Card mode (MM/SD card).

The Top (7.75)
The top of the DZ-MV780, like the back, isn’t all that different from last year’s models. It includes an intelligent accessory shoe, the camcorder’s zoom toggle, and photo button. Both the photo button and the zoom toggle are perfectly placed underneath the user’s index finger.

Picture and Manual Control
Automatic Control (5.0)
Automatic controls over focus, exposure, shutter speed, and white balance are available on the DZ-MV780. These controls are okay. Adjustments to exposure, shutter speed, and focus are quick though not the quickest, and accurate. Automatic exposure can add a tad too much light when hard pressed. In addition to the fully automatic functions offered on the DZ-MV780, a number of Program AE functions are available. These put certain limits on the automatic exposure and shutter speed of the camcorder, and include: Sports, Portrait, Spotlight, Sand&Snow, and Low Light. There are also three white balance presets available: Outdoor, Indoor 1 (Incandescent), and Indoor 2 (Fluorescent).

Overall Manual Control (3.0)
Manual control over focus, exposure, and white balance are available on the DZ-MV780. There is no manual shutter speed adjustment, and the available manual controls are troublesome to access. Unfortunately, there have not been too many improvements in this area since last year. Indeed, the same button cluster found under last year’s LCD screen is found under this year’s, still featuring buttons for both manual exposure and manual focus. Each of these features is controlled by two volume buttons located underneath the LCD. Manual exposure adjustment is poor to begin with (there’s no independent iris and shutter speed adjustment), and the cumbersome navigation offered by these buttons does not help. Trying to focus manually is equally troublesome.

Generally, manual controls have not been upgraded on the new round of DVD camcorders this year, especially Hitachi and Panasonic DVD camcorders. These camcorders are designed for convenience in their medium and their size, and therefore it doesn’t make sense to dump a lot of manual control on them. They are for point-and-shooters who shoot in automatic mode. Still, it would be nice to have independent shutter speed control on the camcorder, more convenient manual controls, or manual audio levels.

Zoom Control (6.0)
The zoom control on the Hitachi DZ-MV780 is perfectly placed, though not too easy to control. It rests directly under the user’s index finger during handheld use, but only has a single ridge of grips which make it quite hard to achieve smooth zooms. Smooth zooms are available, though hard to achieve, as are variable speed zooms.

Focus (6.0)
The focus control on the DZ-MV780 is perhaps the saddest manual control on the camcorder. The button to access it is inconveniently located underneath the LCD screen, and once pressed, the button accesses a manual focus function only adjustable using the volume buttons located underneath the LCD as well. This is a disagreeable method of manual control for any camcorder, and should be avoided.

Exposure (Aperture) (4.0)
Exposure or aperture is controlled in the same suboptimal method as focus on the DZ-MV780. Trying to control exposure does not present as many problems trying to control focus, but some problems do exist. For one, adjustments are made along a +/- meter on which no F-stop readings are given. This is the same method as last year; it can’t be recommended.

Shutter Speed (0.0)
There are no shutter speed controls on the DZ-MV780, just a selection of Program AE presets.

White Balance (6.0)
White balance options on the DZ-MV780 are located within the camcorder’s menu system. They include four options, including one fully auto option, one fully manual option, and three preset semi-auto options. The option called Set acts as the manual method, and the process involves the user holding up a “white” object for the camcorder to set as a representative of white. As this option is buried in the camcorder’s LCD cavity, it can be hard to get to. Also available are three semi-automatic presets (Indoor 1, Indoor 2, and Outdoor). The outdoor preset adjusts to sunlight levels; indoor 1, incandescent bulbs; indoor 2, fluorescent bulbs.

Gain (0.0)
There are no manual gain controls on the Hitachi DZ-MV780.

Other Manual Control
There are no other manual controls on the DZ-MV780.

Ease of Use(5.0)
The DZ-MV780’s ease of use is pretty good simply because there are few manual controls to mess with, and if the camcorder is in automatic mode (which it should be), you just point and shoot. If in manual mode, ease of use is marred by horribly placed manual controls, such as the focus and exposure buttons underneath the LCD screen. On the bright side, the DZ-MV780 is smaller than last year’s model, and increases in portability always make camcorders easier to use. But frankly, this is the only real factor which makes the ease of use of this year’s model different from last year’s. The DZ-MV780 also sheds the quick mode of last year’s DZ-MV580, but overall, they are very similar. Both camcorders can’t hold a candle to Sony’s new DVD camcorders when it comes to ease of use and cosmetic advancement, though some of their media can be viewed directly with a conventional DVD player.

Still Features (7.0)
While the DZ-MV780 doesn’t offer many still options, functions, or features, the sheer amount of still photos that can be captured to DVD discs is impressive. The DZ-MV780 can store up to 999 photos on one side of a disc. Stills can also be recorded to SD/MM card. Unfortunately, the only size available for recording on disc is 640 x 480. Stills of a 1280 x 960 size must be captured on card.

Still Performance (6.5)
The still performance of the DZ-MV780 is impressive. Granted stills are only captured at 640 x 480 and 1280 x 960, but for a camcorder this inexpensive (as low as $620) with this many available stills (over 1,000) the quality you’re getting is superb. From what we’ve tested these stills aren’t as good as other DVD camcorders with better CCDs (and bigger prices), notably the DCR-DVD403, but it should be noted that Sony DVD camcorders don’t have the card media options that Hitachi and Panasonic camcorders do.

That said, the DZ-MV780’s stills, while not up to 3 CCD quality of resonance, crispness, and vibrancy, rival those of the more expensive Optura 60, and easily surpass those of the PV-GS35 and many lower-end 1 chip camcorders.

Still Resolution (6.18)
The Hitachi DZ-MV780 can capture stills on an SD card at 1280 x 960, while stills on a DVD-RAM disc can only be captured at 640 x 480. The stills of a standard resolution chart were captured on the SD card and exported to Imatest Imaging Software to determine the camcorder’s true still resolution. At its best the DZ-MV780 generated a real resolution of 617,939.4675 pixels (0.618 MP).

Low Light Performance (3.0)
The camcorder’s performance in this area was mixed. The DZ-MV780 produced better video at brighter light levels than last year’s counterpart, the DZ-MV580. It has more effective pixels than this camcorder, but with a smaller CCD, and these specs seem to allow it to excel in bright light environments, and even down at the light level of 60 lux.

When tested in our controlled environment at a light level of 60 lux, the equivalent of a slightly dim indoor environment, the DZ-MV780 produced better video than the DZ-MV580. Results showed much more clarity than last year’s model with more vibrant colors as well. The overall image was a bit darker and didn’t have as brilliant a gray scale, but overall, the image was on par with images taken at 3000 lux.

It is only when we reach 15 lux that things change. While the DZ-MV580 retains a fair amount of color and crispness for a DVD camcorder, the DZ-MV780 losses a lot of the color that we banked on Hitachi camcorders retaining. Both images are paralyzed by noise, but we expected that.

While we haven’t had the opportunity to compare these results with other Hitachi camcorders or other comparable DVD camcorders, we have tested Sony’s new top-of-the-heap DVD camcorder, the DCR-DVD403, which has tested substantially better in video quality both in bright and low light.

The DZ-MV780 has received a mediocre score compared to nearly every MiniDV camcorder we’ve reviewed this year. It was very hard to compare this DVD camcorder to the multitude of MiniDV camcorders this year, because, in most cases, the DZ-MV780’s 60 lux image was fantastic compared to any other while its 15 lux image failed miserably. How do you balance the two? Split your differences? Can 60 lux have more weight or less weight? It is hard to be so discriminating. My advice is to try to judge DVD camcorders against DVD camcorders when you can. If you must use our objective scoring system, I think this low light score is a good one.

Zoom Power Ratio (10.0)
The DZ-MV780 has an optical zoom of 10x. The model directly below it, the DZ-MV580, has a 16x optical zoom. These numbers are consistent with last year’s trends.

Wide Angel (8.4)
At its widest angle the Hitachi DZ-MV780’s field of vision in 4:3 mode was 42 degrees, while in Widescreen mode it was 47.5 degrees.

4:3 Standard Aspect

Widescreen

VCR Mode (8.0)
Hooking the DZ-MV780 up to a VCR or TV is like hooking up last year’s camcorders, though with a few exceptions. In fact, like the DZ-MV580, the DZ-MV780 cannot be hooked up to a VCR. Riding the wave of the future, these camcorders’ media can only be played on DVD players. But that’s why you bought them anyway, isn’t it? Yet one of the biggest weaknesses of Hitachi and Panasonic DVD camcorders is their inability to offer direct playback of re-recordable discs on a conventional DVD player, save their specially designed models.

Hitachi and Panasonic DVD camcorders record on DVD-RAM/R discs, while Sony DVD camcorders record on DVD-/+RW/R. While it is debatable as to which format is better, certain advantages are clear. DVD-RW recording allows immediate playback on nearly all conventional DVD players, while DVD-RAM discs can only be played back on DVD players compatible with DVD-RAM. On the other hand, DVD-RAM discs function much like hard discs and are therefore a bit easier and faster to access, organize, etc. Also, as pointed out last year on our message boards, the DVD-RAM format allows for a way to transfer footage from 3.5” DVDs to full format DVDs if you’ve got a Panasonic DVD recorder--even if you don’t have a computer, which is necessary for converting DVD-RWs from 3.5” to full size. That said, any given person is more likely to own a computer than a DVD recorder. The odds may be against DVD-R. All DVD camcorders can record on DVD-R discs which can be played back on conventional players, though they can only be recorded once. And in this day and age, that’s kinda useless, especially in America.

Rudimentary editing is available on the camcorder and with the included software, but at these prices these camcorders are mainly gadgets for the wealthy who crave convenience. Hmm, wonder why they chose the USA for the market? Until prices drop (and they’ve already started to) DVD camcorders seem destined to remain designed for this niche.

The camcorder’s contents can be view directly on a TV by way of its A/V input/output.

LCD/Viewfinder (6.0)
The DZ-MV780 includes a 2.5” LCD screen at a standard 4:3 ratio, and a 0.2” color viewfinder. The camcorder’s LCD screen is a pretty bad one; it solarizes when viewed from an angle. The new Sony DVD camcorders seem to have the best LCD screens of any DVD camcorders this year. They are widescreen and don’t solarize.

Audio (6.5)
The DZ-MV780 captures 12 and 16 bit audio. This option can be toggled in the camcorder’s menu system. It also includes a microphone input port, located on its front, which is nice. Sony DVD camcorders have no microphone ports, though the DCR-DVD403 can record surround sound using its built-in microphone. There is an A/V input/output which allows for exporting and importing audio.

Handling (6.25)
Handling on the DZ-MV780 is pretty much the same as last year’s DZ-MV580 as far as controls go. The main differences in handling between the DZ-MV580 and the DZ-MV780 are the smaller size, and smaller lens barrel, of the DZ-MV780. And while often smaller sizes spell sacrifices of control access in the favor of packing portability, the DZ-MV780 maintains a decent comfort zone when it comes the handling. Much of this is due to the perfect placement of the camcorder’s zoom control and photo button which are directly under the user’s index finger. There is a small change in navigation on the new camcorder. Instead of the small joystick used on last year’s DZ-MV580, the DZ-MV780 uses a four-way button which is a bit harder to control.

Portability (7.0)
With dimensions of 2 x 3.35 x 4.81 inches, the DZ-MV780 is the smallest DVD camcorder by Hitachi this year. By giving up the Panasonic-esque design of last year this year’s Hitachis have become smaller and more portable. While perhaps not as portable as some of Sony’s smaller, cheaper DVD camcorders, the DZ-MV780 is definitely easy to take along.

Battery Life (6.0)
The included battery of the DZ-MV780 records for an unfortunately brief 59 minutes and 41 seconds with the LCD open and Video at its highest quality setting.

Compression (5.0)
Video is recorded to DVD-RAM and conforms to the DVD-VR standard, with stills conforming to both the DVD-VR standard and JPEG. Audio uses MPEG2.

Media (5.0)
The DZ-MV780 records to DVD-RAM and DVD-R discs. Unlike Sony camcorders, it cannot record to DVD-RW, DVD+R, or DVD+RW discs. It can capture still images to SD or MM card.

Editing (3.0)
Editing footage captured to DVD disc is tricky. There are rudimentary editing options available both on the camcorder and in the included software. DVD camcorders and DVD media are not meant for editing. These days, the DVD camcorder in general is made for gimmicky convenience, to allow users a quick method to record onto media which can be immediately played on devices that most consumers have, DVD players.

Widescreen/16:9 Mode (7.5)
There is a widescreen function on the DZ-MV780 which is definitely one of the improvements on last year’s Hitachi DVD camcorders. The inclusion of this mode hints that Hitachi realizes the nature of DVD camcorders’ appeal; these camcorders are designed for ultimate convenience: users are putting their recorded media directly into the DVD player for viewing on a TV. And what better function than the ability to view widescreen images on new widescreen TVs. Anyway, the DZ-MV780 letterboxes its 4:3 image while expanding its horizontal angle of vision. Widescreen images recorded to disc do not need to be stretched to their widescreen aspect later as they do not need to squeeze into a 4:3 aspect, as on MiniDV tape.

4:3 Standard Aspect

Widescreen Aspect Ratio

Scan Rates/24P (0.0)
The DZ-MV780 does not offer any alternate Scan Rates or 24P, or 30P, digital effects.

Jacks, Ports, and Plugs (8.0)
The DZ-MV780 features just about as many ports needed on a DVD camcorder. Like all DVD camcorders, the DZ-MV780 lacks a FireWire port, though it has USB, A/V input/output, and microphone ports, all located under a port cover on the front of the camcorder. It also includes an intelligent accessory shoe to provide phantom power to an attached microphone. The camcorder can be powered by an external power source using the supplied AC adapter which slips into its battery pack.

Other Features (3.5)
Electronic Image Stabilization The DZ-MV780 ships with electronic image stabilization, which can be selected and deselected in the camcorder’s menu system. It isn’t as good as optical image stabilization, but this is a DVD camcorder: get used to it.

Digital Zoom The camcorder offers digital zoom options of 40x and 240x.

Mic. Filter Often called the wind cut function, windscreen, or low cut, this function cuts the low frequencies of the audio signal in order to block out wind noise.

Disc. Navigation One of the coolest functions of DVD camcorders, especially those which record on DVD-RAM discs, is the Disc navigation function, seen on Hitachi and Panasonic DVD camcorders. This feature, basically an on-camcorder playback system for the camcorder, allows the user to rudimentarily edit footage (divide, delete, combine), add effects (Fade, skip, thumbnail), copy data, and edit and create playlists. Footage—stills and video—can be navigated in a thumbnail grid, quickly and conveniently.

Comparisons
Hitachi DZ-MV580
Last year’s Hitachi which most approximates the features and specs of the DZ-MV780 is the DZ-MV580. It actually features a bigger CCD, but with a smaller amount of pixels. The ramifications of this can be seen when one compares the bright light and low light performances of these camcorders. The DZ-MV580 features worse bright light performance, though excels past the DZ-MV780 at 15 lux. Both camcorders offer similar manual controls and options, though the DZ-MV780 features a more portable design, does not require the plastic casing that surrounded last year’s DVD-RAM discs, and includes a widescreen mode.

DCR-DVD203
Similarly priced to the DZ-MV780 this year is Sony’s new DCR-DVD203, the successor of Sony’s DCR-DVD201 of last year. With a similar CCD to last year’s Sony, this guy shouldn’t perform too well in low light; however, it does have a few cool tricks up its sleeve, thanks to Sony’s redesigning. It includes a widescreen LCD screen, a touch screen menu, and can record on DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD-R discs. We’ll see.

Panasonic PV-GS65
For a bit less than the DZ-MV780, Panasonic’s cheapest 3 CCD camcorder is available. The PV-GS65 ships with three chips and plenty of manual control, and while this camcorder is clearly designed to appeal to a different audiences than DZ-MV780’s with its gearing towards manual control rather than convenience, the PV-GS65 will offer better video quality in low and bright light environments.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters (8.0)
This camcorder is designed for point-and-shooters, so much so that its media can be removed directly from the camcorder and played on your home DVD player. It’s also relatively portable, and lacks nearly all the versatility offered by manual controls.

Budget Consumer (7.5)
Budget Consumers shouldn’t really be into DVD camcorders anyway as they are so expensive in general; however, if I were to pick one as the best deal, it will probably be this one. But granted, I haven’t looked at all of them, and there may be a better deal I just haven’t seen yet.

Still Photo/Video Camera Hybrid (5.0)
For a DVD camcorder, this Hitachi guy is probably the best hybrid in its class. Panasonics are also a good bet in this department. Just don’t look to Sony for your hybrid needs; every Sony DVD camcorder lacks card media.

Gadget Freak (4.0)
Gadget Freaks are attracted to DVD camcorders solely for their DVD media, or at least that’s been the case in the past. This year they’ll have a few more things to ogle over on all the models, though not so much on this camcorder. If price isn’t an issue, check out the DCR-DVD403, Sony’s top-of-the-line DVD camcorder this year, which comes packed with the most gadgetry.

Manual Control Freaks (2.0)
Manual control freaks shouldn’t look at DVD camcorders in the first place.

Pro/Serious Hobbyists (1.0)
See Manual Control Freaks comment.

Conclusion
At this point, it is a little too early to present a definitive judgment of the DZ-MV780. Without having seen the performance of some of the more comparable DVD camcorders out there, giving either a recommendation or a trashing for this camcorder is premature. We have tested the DCR-DVD403 and can assure everyone that Sony has not only improved the look of their DVD line, but also the performance. That said, the DCR-DVD403 is almost two hundred dollars more than the Hitachi, so it’s sort of stating the obvious.

We can say that this year’s Hitachi DZ-MV780 performed slightly worse in low light than the DZ-MV580 of last year. This is a shame as the low light performance of last year’s Hitachis were what made the camcorders such good buys. The new Hitachi does include a smaller design and a widescreen mode, if you’re into that. What I really think will be the clincher is to see how Sony’s DCR-DVD203 and the new Panasonics perform. The tables have yet to turn or stay fast. Stay tuned.